FibreCo to develop state-of-the-art, open access long distance f
FibreCo to develop state-of-the-art, open access long distance f
FibreCo Telecommunications (“FibreCo”), a partnership between Cell C, Internet Solutions and Convergence Partners, announced today that it will be developing an open-access long-haul terrestrial fibre optic broadband network as an answer to the need for national transmission infrastructure to meet the nation’s aspirations for world-class broadband connectivity.
FibreCo brings the ability to fund, deploy and manage a cost-effective high speed long-haul fibre network which will support the explosive growth in bandwidth requirements of the country anticipated over the coming years.
Construction of the network will follow a three-phase approach and ultimately will cover a total distance in excess of 12,000km. The initial phase will focus on rolling out a 4,500km redundant core ring linking Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban to international cable landing stations within two years.
Cell C’s extensive national wireless network will provide the platform for the co-location of optical transmission equipment at their base stations as well as wireless access solutions for FibreCo’s customers. Through Internet Solutions, FibreCo has access to deep capabilities in the delivery of value-added networking solutions into the enterprise market, including facilities for the hosting of its customers optical termination equipment in urban centres. Convergence Partners contributes unmatched expertise in the development and financial structuring of large scale telecommunications infrastructure projects.
FibreCo is building a state-of-the-art managed network to deliver the most efficient route combinations and services to its customers, through the deployment of its own fibre optic cable and related infrastructure, as well as through partnerships or strategic alliances with other infrastructure providers wherever appropriate.
Lars P. Reichelt, CEO of Cell C, said:
“FibreCo’s objective is to completely transform the dynamics of SA’s broadband sector by building and managing a long-haul national fibre-optic transmission network on an open-access model.
“By enabling a step change in the affordability of true high-speed connectivity for customers across South Africa, FibreCo is aiming to have a strong positive socio-economic impact for the country by improving the overall broadband experience for users and the competitiveness of both the public and private sectors.”
Andile Ngcaba, Chairman of Convergence Partners said:
“Whilst the cost of international transmission has dropped significantly since 2009 with the arrival of new undersea fibre networks, national transmission in South Africa still accounts for a very significant proportion of telecommunications costs to end users and constitutes a critical bottleneck to ordinary citizens and businesses.
“Through its open-access pricing model, FibreCo will effectively transfer the significant economies of scale inherent in fibre-optic networking technologies to its customers, paving the way for lower broadband access costs for end users, improvements in communications service quality and innovation and enhanced regional connectivity.
Derek Wilcocks, MD of Internet Solutions said:
“FibreCo’s approach will maximize the opportunities afforded by the massive increase in international bandwidth capacity coming to SA’s shores via undersea cables over the next couple of years and allow South African businesses and end-users to fully experience the opportunities created by the rapid advances in voice, video and broadband computer applications worldwide.”
FibreCo is based in Johannesburg, with a full management team headed up by Arif Hussain. The FibreCo team comprises experienced professionals in telecommunications, project management and strategy.